Belinda Bencic in Miami: Loss to Gauff, But Her Focus Is Already on the Next Challenge

Miami, arguably the most glamorous stop on the WTA Tour. It's a place where tennis meets lifestyle, and often where the past meets the future. For Belinda Bencic, this year's tournament in Florida felt like a snapshot of her career: so close to the very top of the world rankings, featuring an impressive comeback, but ultimately ending in a painful loss. The Swiss from Eastern Switzerland had to concede defeat to Coco Gauff in the Round of 16, with a score of 6:7, 6:4, 2:6.

A Match of Two Halves

Anyone who watched the match knows: the final score doesn't tell the whole story. In the first set, Bencic showed exactly why she became an Olympic champion in Tokyo 2021. She broke Gauff early and seemed to have control. But, as has happened often this year, the crucial point slipped away from her in the tiebreak. Gauff, known for her mental strength, capitalised on the opportunity with ice-cold precision.

Then came the second set. And with it, the vintage Belinda. She chased down every ball hit into her corner, putting on a defensive display that you'd normally only see from the absolute greats. It was a classic performance worthy of the group stage of the finals—that phase of a tournament where everything is on the line, and where she traditionally raises her game. She levelled the match at 6:4, and you could feel the anticipation in the stadium for a major upset.

Unfortunately, in the deciding set, things fell apart. Two early breaks were the knockout blow. Against an athlete like Gauff, who looks right at home in Miami, you simply can't afford to give away a 0-40 lead in your own service game. Not even Swiss fighting spirit can save you there.

Defense Wins Championships – But Not Always Against Gauff

Gauff herself said something after the match that stuck with me: “Defense wins championships.” And she's right. Bencic proved exactly that in the second set. She drove Gauff to frustration with her relentless court coverage. It was reminiscent of that legendary final against Ashleigh Barty, which she won back in 2019 during the group stage of the finals at the WTA Championships. Back then, she was the hunter, retrieving every single ball.

Despite the loss today, she was exactly that: an incredibly difficult opponent to face. The numbers speak for themselves: in rallies of nine shots or more, Bencic had a clear advantage in the second set. She forced Gauff into errors that the American doesn't usually make. If she can maintain this level consistently for over two hours, we'll be seeing her again in the late rounds soon—whether against an Ekaterina Alexandrova or an Ashlyn Krueger. These players are dangerous, but they don't bring the same relentless pressure as a top-5 player.

Swiss Precision in the Details

What personally pleases me almost as much as her fighting performance is the fact that Belinda Bencic is not just a sporting ambassador, but a cultural one for Switzerland as well. During the tournament in Miami, she was sporting her iconic watch again, but it's another detail that true connoisseurs appreciate. Are you familiar with the Caran d'Ache Ecridor Match Point Belinda Bencic ballpoint pen?

• A tribute to her greatest achievements, immortalised in hexagonal, gold-plated silver.
• The engraved pattern resembles a tennis net, and the design is as precise as her backhand slice.
• It's not just a writing instrument—it's a statement. Much like Bencic's game: elegant, powerful, with a distinctive signature style.

This detail shows how deeply Belinda is connected to her Swiss identity. She stands not only for peak athletic performance but also for the legacy of brands like Caran d’Ache. In a city like Miami, where glamour often skims the surface, she brings that down-to-earth attitude and precision onto the court.

Looking Ahead

Now it's time to: hold your head high, pack your bags, and focus on the weeks ahead. Miami was just one stop along the way. For me, it's clear: Bencic is on the right track. The phases where she plays her best tennis are getting longer, the dips shorter. Losing to Gauff is no shame—it was a top-tier clash between equals.

I'm eager to see what comes next. Summer is approaching, and the grass-court season is just around the corner. And if Belinda continues like this, we'll be treated to many more three-set thrillers this year—only this time, perhaps with her name ending up on the winner's list. Because we all know: when the finals roll around, when the biggest titles are on the line, that's when Belinda Bencic is in her element.